North Jutland rail lines use outdated signal system similar to crash site

The two rail lines serving Hirtshals and Skagen in North Jutland operate with an older signal system that does not automatically stop trains passing red lights, the same technology used on the Gribskov line where a collision injured 18 people last week, DR reports.

Martin Sort Mikkelsen, director of Nordjyske Jernbaner, acknowledged that a similar accident could “in theory” occur on the North Jutland lines but insisted safety levels remain “extremely high.”

“We work day and night to prevent it. Accidents are incredibly rare,” Mikkelsen told DR. The company has long planned to upgrade to a modern digital system that automatically brakes trains passing signals, though the director stressed the current system is not outdated from a safety perspective.

Kristian Madsen, a railway expert with the Danish Society of Engineers (IDA), agreed passengers should not be concerned. “It has worked fine for many years. Drivers receive continuous training updates,” he said.

Passengers interviewed at Hirtshals station expressed confidence in the system. “I generally feel safe on trains. There aren’t enough trains up here for that to happen,” said Villiam Simonsen. Lone Ahlmann admitted she had not considered the risk until the Gribskov crash but would still use the service.

The Gribskov line reopened today as the Accident Investigation Board begins examining last week’s collision. Nordjyske Jernbaner estimates upgrading to automatic braking would cost “several hundred million kroner.”